TY - CONF
T1 - The paradox of discontinuities and continuities: Toward a more comprehensive view of virtuality
T2 - Academy of Management Conference
Y1 - 2004
A1 - Watson-Manheim, Mary Beth
A1 - Chudoba, Katherine M.
A1 - Kevin Crowston
KW - Discontinuity
KW - Virtuality
AB - Understanding the fundamental dynamics in virtual work environments is a challenge for organizational researchers. We propose that virtuality is, paradoxically, generally composed of factors that simultaneously simplify and complicate the work environment. We use the metaphorical construction of continuities and discontinuities to explore this phenomenon, and show that considering boundaries as creating discontinuities in work environments enhances our understanding in two ways. First, the language of discontinuities allows us to employ the device of paradox to explore the underlying dynamics of virtuality. This device makes it easier to examine the more complex reality of virtual work. Second, consideration of discontinuities draws attention to possible problems encountered in virtual work environments and ways that individuals and teams may compensate for the tension and differences implicit in discontinuities; in other words, paying attention to the seemingly logical antithesis of discontinuities, or continuities. By taking a process perspective, one can focus on the behavioral component of work, which in turn, has a subjective component. An example from a field study of a global virtual team is examined to illustrate the usefulness of the discontinuities/continuities framework.
JF - Academy of Management Conference
CY - New Orleans, LA
ER -